Quint Kessenich's midseason lacrosse grades

CaptionMaryland — A+

Amy Davis, Baltimore Sun

Sixty-three teams play Division I lacrosse, and only the Terps are unbeaten. The meat of their schedule is next with North Carolina, Virginia, Navy and Hopkins on the slate. Coach John Tillman has a hungry bunch led by a strong-minded group of seniors (Lutherville native John Haus, Owen Blye, Jake Bernhardt, Archbishop Spalding grad Kevin Cooper [pictured], Jesse Bernhardt, McDonogh grad Curtis Holmes and Landon Carr). The Terps rank No. 1 in offense (15.0 goals per game) and No. 2 in defense (6.8 goals against), and the program's first national title since 1975 is within reach.

Sixty-three teams play Division I lacrosse, and only the Terps are unbeaten. The meat of their schedule is next with North Carolina, Virginia, Navy and Hopkins on the slate. Coach John Tillman has a hungry bunch led by a strong-minded group of seniors (Lutherville native John Haus, Owen Blye, Jake Bernhardt, Archbishop Spalding grad Kevin Cooper [pictured], Jesse Bernhardt, McDonogh grad Curtis Holmes and Landon Carr). The Terps rank No. 1 in offense (15.0 goals per game) and No. 2 in defense (6.8 goals against), and the program's first national title since 1975 is within reach. (Amy Davis, Baltimore Sun)

The Fighting Irish have shown a knack for winning close games, with overtime victories against Penn State, North Carolina and Denver. Notre Dame held Ohio State to four goals Wednesday night in a win and have a lone loss to Hofstra by one. I was very impressed by the depth of offensive contribution in the comeback win over Denver on Saturday. John Scioscia banged an extra-man goal, and Ryan Mix got minutes on the crease as an inside shooter. Coach Kevin Corrigan has a stable of midfielders, and sophomore long-pole Matt Landis is rapidly improving. The second half of the schedule features Big East games.

The Fighting Irish have shown a knack for winning close games, with overtime victories against Penn State, North Carolina and Denver. Notre Dame held Ohio State to four goals Wednesday night in a win and have a lone loss to Hofstra by one. I was very impressed by the depth of offensive contribution in the comeback win over Denver on Saturday. John Scioscia banged an extra-man goal, and Ryan Mix got minutes on the crease as an inside shooter. Coach Kevin Corrigan has a stable of midfielders, and sophomore long-pole Matt Landis is rapidly improving. The second half of the schedule features Big East games. (Notre Dame Athletics)

It might be hard to believe, considering that it has yet to feel like spring for any extended period of time, but the men's lacrosse season is already at the halfway point. No. 1 Maryland is in cruise control, Johns Hopkins has yet to beat a ranked team and defending champion Loyola is still seeking its mojo. Conference play will be the theme of the rest of the regular season as teams jockey for NCAA tournament berths. So now is a perfect time to hand out midterm grades. —By Quint Kessenich, For The Baltimore SunBy Quint Kessenich, For The Baltimore Sun